UK-based Hill Helicopters on Monday unveiled the HX50, a new five-seat, light turbine single helicopter powered by an as-yet-unspecified 500-shp powerplant. Design features include an all-composite, three-blade main rotor, retractable landing gear, and a ducted tail rotor.
Performance targets for the HX50 include a 140-knot cruise speed, a maximum payload of 1,760 pounds, and a maximum range of 700 nm. Hill reports that the HX50 is currently in the advanced design phase, with three prototypes scheduled to begin flight testing in 2022. Pre-orders will begin in the fourth quarter, with first deliveries planned to commence in 2023.
“The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter. The wait is over,” said Hill Helicopters CEO Jason Hill, the founder of Dynamiq Engineering who previously worked at GKN Westland (now Leonardo). “The only way to create something that is truly groundbreaking is to design from the ground up, giving equal focus to aerospace design, performance, and safety as well as to the artistic and experiential aspects, including comfort, ergonomics, intuitive technology, and luxury. The HX50 brings all of this together to deliver a truly unique aircraft and experience.”